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Monday, November 26, 2012

Last month, I was asked if I'd like to review some of the top new games for Holiday 2012 from a company called Wonder Forge. After reading about the company, and learning more about them, I was so impressed, I simply HAD to say yes! I'm always on the hunt for new games for family game night that can be played and enjoyed by the whole family. Let me share a little bit about Wonder Forge with you, right from their website.

Wonder Forge, and their preschool sub brand, I Can Do That! Games, was created in 2007 when a small group of creative types came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

The Wonder Forge takes an innovative approach to licensing, bringing cherished literary classics and award-winning television shows to life in a whole new way, through dynamic and inventive game play.

Wonder Forge family games provide brain challenging fun for all, while bridging generation gaps and building family bonds....

I received a selection of games, ironically enough, on Halloween. It's ironic because, well, the twinnies dressed up as The Cat in The Hat's Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Halloween, and my little #6 was not in the mood to have turquoise hair until we pulled this out of the box and could show him pictures! Dr. Seuss' Fun Machine App-Play game was an instant hit, and we had to play a quick game of memory with the tiles before preschool.. with turquoise hair. Though this particular game is an App-Play game, we have enjoyed it both with and without the Daddy's iPad.

The fun from Wonder Forge is not only geared toward boys. Disney Princess addicts, have no fear! Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party and Disney Princess Dazzling Princess are perfect for your own little princess. Racing to crown cupcakes, dressing up, pretend play... it doesn't get much better than this! There's no way to avoid embracing your inner princess while playing these darling Disney Princess games.

Who Shook Hook is my personal favorite. I realize that I'm oozing praise from my pores at this point, but I have to share this. While this may not have been the intention of Wonder Forge, my little guys have been using Who Shook Hook as part of their fine motor practice, and loving every minute of it. Logan's hands shake when doing any type of fine motor skill, so having a game like this has really helped to make his practice a fun time rather than one of drudgery. Way to go, Wonder Forge! Very cool. Very.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Neverland Challengegame was another instantaneous hit at the monster house, bringing out each monster's inner pirate with sword action, a cannon ball, treasure, and lots of giggling and silliness while trying to keep balance and crab walk. This is our favorite game for right before bed time to get all the wiggles out. Even the teenage monsters like to get in on the action. But shhhhh! That's supposed to be a secret! *wink wink, nudge nudge* It gets better! This game has been nominated for the Toy of the Year (TOTY) award by the Toy Industry Association (TIA). This is so completely fabulous, I'm providing a clickable link HERE, because Wonder Forge would love your support. Please vote for them by checking the box right at the top for Disney Jake and the Neverland Pirates, then scrolling down and clicking submit.

Whether it's family game night, entertaining a sick child, having a play date, or just spending some quality time together, Wonder Forge has definitely figured out how to make games that will surprise and delight. We may not be Siskel and Ebert here at the monster house, but we DO know games and family time, so we have 18 thumbs up (7 monsters, 2 parents... 18 thumbs up. Do the math, people! ) for the good people of Wonder Forge. Keep up the good work, and best of luck for TOTY!

Official game images property of Wonder Forge, and used with permission

Images of children and children playing games are mine

Very special thanks to G. and S. Bosshardt for contributing to this post